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Published on: August 8, 2015
Types of motivating operations in interventions with problem behavior: a systematic review
David Simó-Pinatella1, Josep Font-Roura, Joaquima Planella-Morató
1Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain. davidsp@blanquerna.url.edu
Behavior Modification
|July 17, 2012
Summary
Motivating operations (MOs) can change problem behaviors in school-age children with intellectual disabilities. Modifying MOs often affects behavior by altering motivation, with specific MO types linked to behavioral functions.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Intellectual Disabilities Research
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Background:
- A motivating operation (MO) is a crucial concept in behavioral psychology, influencing behavior by altering reinforcement effectiveness.
- Understanding MOs is vital for developing effective interventions for individuals with intellectual disabilities exhibiting problem behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review studies that manipulated motivating operations (MOs) in interventions for school-age participants with intellectual disabilities and problem behavior.
- To analyze the impact of MO manipulation on problem behavior and explore the relationship between MO type and behavioral function.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted across major electronic databases (PsychInfo, ERIC, ScienceDirect, Blackwell, SAGE, Medline).
- 31 published articles, encompassing data from 55 participants, were examined for relevant findings on MOs and problem behavior.
Main Results:
- Manipulation of motivating operations (MOs) generally impacts problem behavior, either by increasing (establishing) or decreasing (abolishing) its motivation.
- A significant relationship was identified between the specific type of MO used and the identified function of the problem behavior.
Conclusions:
- Modifying motivating operations is a viable strategy for altering problem behaviors in individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering the type of MO in relation to behavioral function for effective intervention design.
- Further research is needed to explore theoretical and practical implications and address limitations of current studies.
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